Design Project Engineer Design Project Engineer Spennymoor, UK SpotLIGHT of the job The Zumtobel Group is an international lighting group and a leading supplier of innovative lighting solutions, lighting components and associated services. With its core brands, Zumtobel, Thorn and Tridonic, the Group offers its customers around the world a comprehensive portfolio of products and services. Thorn Lighting are recruiting for Design Project Engineers to join our extensive design teams to work on development tasks related to Mechanical product design within Custom Products and New Products teams. The roles are based at our Spennymoor offices and would be ideal if you are looking for stability and longevity in a role where you can not only work on your own projects but cross train in other design areas to be able to provide other departmental support. Responsibilities Develop high‑quality 3D and 2D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings. Perform Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and conduct comprehensive tolerance analyses. Lead and contribute to Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) activities. Create, manage, and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) throughout the product lifecycle. Collaborate closely with Industrial Designers to translate aesthetic concepts into manufacturable solutions. Undertake functional decomposition to understand and optimise product performance. Generate innovative ideas supported by concept sketches, models, and rapid prototypes. Design new luminaires with a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental impact, and long‑term product responsibility. Embrace and investigate the use of AI within the lighting industry to speed up the product development process Act as a primary liaison between operational/technical teams and the commercial department. Develop concepts, prototypes, or proposals that support commercial initiatives, product launches, or customer pitches. Skills & Experience Degree‑qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, with a solid understanding of core engineering principles applied to product design and development. Strong proficiency in 3D/2D CAD and CAE tools, with the ability to produce accurate models, simulations, and detailed engineering drawings suitable for manufacture. Proven experience within industrial or manufacturing environments, ideally covering both low‑volume bespoke products and high‑volume production processes. Demonstrated track record of delivering complex design and development projects, including the creation of mechanical components, assemblies, and design documentation. Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques used in lighting, such as aluminium die casting, extrusion, thermal management, plastics, and optical components. Understanding of lighting‑specific engineering considerations, such as thermal performance, sustainability, environmental compliance, and integration of LEDs, drivers would be an advantage. What matters to us We understand not only the power of the visible, but also the invisible. Like light, diversity is intangible, but it is perceptible. We value the uniqueness of every person and see this as a driver of innovation. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of, for example, origin, skin color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or disability. As the contact person for this position, a great candidate experience is important to me! I will reach out to you within 7 days. Please inform me of any assistance you may need, so I can best support you throughout the hiring process. Talent Acquisition Partner Andrew Walker T +44 (0) 7929 376 338 Who we are At the Zumtobel Group, we are passionate about designing and producing light that empowers humans and brings architecture to life. We continuously push the boundaries in our search for perfection through timeless design, technical excellence and efficient performance. Through light, we create spaces that inspire. As we develop the next generation of lighting, we consider the wellbeing of people and nature. Our lighting is designed for our customers and their individual aspirations. We guide them into a new world of opportunities – as a group, and through all our individual brands, Thorn, Tridonic and Zumtobel. Learn more about our Group in our enlightening video - where WE LIVE LIGHT and thrive together! The result is a series of personal and authentic insights into our corporate culture - illustrated from different perspectives. Follow us: WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT LIGHT. We share a passion for light, creating aesthetic, functional, and sustainable lighting solutions that enhance quality of life. WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT CREATING INNOVATIVE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. Sustainability and innovation drive everything we do — shaping a responsible, climate-neutral future. WE ARE INTERNATIONAL AND PERSONAL AT THE SAME TIME. While we have grown from a family business into a global organization, our collaborative spirit and familial culture remain integral to our identity. APPLY HERE